# Pit rules have been revised **URL:** \ **Category:** About This Message Board\ **Created:** [February 24, 2009, 7:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256 "2009-02-24T19:34:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Rigamarole](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/77aa72/32.png) [@Rigamarole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rigamarole)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/81 "2009-02-24T20:49:37Z")
> [@SoulFrost](#): > > So “you ass” is in, and “you asshole” is out. Gotcha. But what about sticking something **up** the ass? Can we implore other posters to take objects and insert them in their rectal cavities? So let’s say we wanted to pit **Ed Zotti** in his capacities as a poster but not as a moderator (since under these rules that’s allowed) and for the sake of an example, say we said something along the lines of: “ **Ed Zotti** , you can take your ideas of what is and is not acceptable and shove them up your ass.” Would that constitute an acceptable insult or cross the line into abuse? It’s not threatening harm on another poster, so I know it doesn’t break that rule, unless the case could be made that certain objects, when inserted in the rectal cavity, could lead to infections. So I went with an intangible, hypothetical concept. ---
**Author:** ![CandidGamera](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/candidgamera/32/2878_2.png) [@CandidGamera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CandidGamera)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/82 "2009-02-24T20:50:35Z")
Abuse bad. Insults okay. And yet.. [[QUOTE=thesaurus.com](http://QUOTE=thesaurus.com)] Main Entry: insult Part of Speech: noun Definition: hateful communication Synonyms: abuse.. [/quote] :smack: ---
**Author:** ![SoulFrost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f07891/32.png) [@SoulFrost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SoulFrost)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/83 "2009-02-24T20:51:31Z")
> [@Rigamarole](#): > > But what about sticking something **up** the ass? Can we implore other posters to take objects and insert them in their rectal cavities? So let’s say we wanted to pit **Ed Zotti** in his capacities as a poster but not as a moderator (since under these rules that’s allowed) and for the sake of an example, say we said something along the lines of: > > “ **Ed Zotti** , you can take your ideas of what is and is not acceptable and shove them up your ass.” > > Would that constitute an acceptable insult or cross the line into abuse? It’s not threatening harm on another poster, so I know it doesn’t break that rule, unless the case could be made that certain objects, when inserted in the rectal cavity, could lead to infections. So I went with an intangible, hypothetical concept. Maybe you can say “stick it up your ass” but not “stick it up your asshole”? In any event, I think that **Arnold** ’s convinced that rusty chainsaws are never allowed up there. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/84 "2009-02-24T20:51:42Z")
**matt\_mcl** ’s post was perfect. **Ed Zotti** ’s response to everyone was rather remote, which reads to me as “I can hear you, but I’m not listening.” That’s frustrating. We’ve all put up with changes we don’t like in order to facilitate the continued existence of the board, but it seems like what you’re doing now is stifling discussion, for reasons that you won’t express. We are, most of us, reasonable people. If you can just tell us why this is happening, we may go along with it. “Our mods’ feelings are being hurt” is not really satisfactory. Most of the mod pittings I’ve read have been supportive from the membership as a whole; no one has ganged up on mods and gratuitously insulted them as people. I may be wrong, but as others have suggested this reads like a top-down decision from someone who is not a part of the community, someone who is worried about what potential customers or clients might think if they read a bad word. Please respect us enough to be honest about what’s going on, at the very least by saying “I can’t discuss it — company policy.” ---
**Author:** ![Gadarene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Gadarene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gadarene)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/85 "2009-02-24T20:51:50Z")
**Dex:** > [@](#): > > “You’re stupid” is fine; “You’re a cunt” is not. Apologies for re-quoting this, but it really does sum up my confusion. What is the distinction being drawn between these two statements? I’m a lawyer; I can parse bright-line rules better than a lot of people, and I’m utterly mystified at what you’re trying to say in the above comparison, unless it’s simply “don’t use bad words.” Again, what side of the line do the following statements fall on? [ol] [li]You’re an idiot[/li][li]You’re a stupid idiot[/li][li]You’re a dumb idiot[/li][li]You’re a smelly idiot[/li][li]You’re a moron[/li][li]You’re a mouth-breathing cretin[/li][li]You rode the short bus to school[/li][li]You must come from a long and illustrious line of inbreeding to have achieved your present state of mental capacity[/li][li]You were dropped on the head as a small child, weren’t you?[/li][li]You don’t have the intelligence that God gave granite[/li][/ol] **Dex**? **Ed**? Little help? ---
**Author:** ![Necros](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/necros/32/11086_2.png) [@Necros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Necros)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/86 "2009-02-24T20:51:56Z")
> [@matt\_mcl](#): > > I have never before posted a message of this kind, but I find this change in the rules, with regard to acceptable content between posters in the Pit, to be foolish and misguided. (I don’t have a real problem with restricting discussion of Board policy to ATMB.) > > There was not previously a problem; there is no point in this solution, and it will make life difficult for everyone involved. > > The proposed distinction between what insults will and will not be allowed is vague and unworkable, and will serve to create more numerous and unpleasant arguments than it will prevent. > > I urge the moderators in the strongest terms to reconsider these rules. I have also never before posted a message criticizing the board moderation or administration, but I agree completely with **matt\_mcl**. ---
**Author:** ![brewha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/91b2a8/32.png) [@brewha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brewha)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/87 "2009-02-24T20:52:03Z")
I realize that my 8 years as a member of this board means pretty much fuck all to the PTB, but I didn’t want my silence to be misconstrued as acceptance. The new rules are retarded. ---
**Author:** ![Jaglavak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/85f322/32.png) [@Jaglavak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaglavak)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/88 "2009-02-24T20:52:55Z")
Well, that wraps it up for me. I’ve tried to be as flexible and understanding as possible while the board management goes through what has to be a very painful time. But this… I’m done with the Pit as long as these rules remain in effect. RIP BBQ Pit, ye were a good and funny forum. I’ll miss it. ---
**Author:** ![Sierra\_Indigo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f0a364/32.png) [@Sierra\_Indigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sierra_Indigo)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/89 "2009-02-24T20:53:39Z")
This is rubbish. [ETA]: I wholeheartedly agree with **matt\_mcl** ’s post as well. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/90 "2009-02-24T20:53:50Z")
> [@Arnold\_Winkelried](#): > > I don’t know what posts C K Dexter Haven is thinking of, but I’ve already seen people saying that this ruins the SDMB, that this is the final nail in the coffin of the message board, etc. Certainly, and as I said, I have guilty of some of that myself. What I am asking is that the PTB pay less attention to that, and more to serious suggestions. Because, in my perception. some of the irritation that people feel is that this attitude of “Well, we knew there’d be over-reaction” is taken sooner rather than later. > [@DSYoungEsq](#): > > How about a different idea? How about everyone take five, go do something else, and then come back, maybe tomorrow, and talk about it with rationality (both “sides” included in this suggestion, though so far, one of the sides seems to be pretty even-tempered and measured in its responses). It would be good practice for the new Pit. On preview, what a good idea. Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/91 "2009-02-24T20:56:41Z")
> [@Ed\_Zotti](#): > > Notable changes: > > 1. All comments and complaints about SDMB administration must now go in the About This Message Board forum. > > 2. No abusive remarks directed at other posters. Basically this means you can’t tell another poster to fuck off (or similar). Creative insults on the other hand are welcome as always. > > 3. No obscenities in thread titles. > > 4. Quote tags are for actual quotes only. > > 5. The rule against telling people they’re on your “ignore” list has been rescinded in the Pit. #1, great rule change. Seriously. When complaints had to go to the Pit, half of the complainers took it as a sign that they should be as hostile and abusive as possible in complaining. It’s silly and unnecessary, the staff shouldn’t have to deal with abuse whenever anyone disagrees with having their thread moved to MPSIMS. You can lodge a complaint like a mature adult, and not resort to profanity and insults. #2, terrible rule change. It’s OK to insult someone as long as you hide it within a long winded “creative” phrase, but it’s not OK to call someone an asshole. Way too vague, open to interpretation, and unnecessary to boot. There’s nothing wrong with a Pit where posters insult each other. It’s how you can blow off steam without intruding on the more genteel forums. It’s apparently OK, though, to use a profanity laced tirade when complaining about someone who isn’t another poster. Strange. 3-5, don’t care, not much of a change in my book. ---
**Author:** ![Oakminster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/77aa72/32.png) [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/92 "2009-02-24T20:57:26Z")
OK, so “fuck you” is out. How about “Frak you”? “Copulate you?” “Intercourse you” “Consumate you” “Screw you” “Pork you” “Hump you” “Sexualize you” “Biologically reproduce yourself” “Sodomize you” “Penterate your own genital area” “Lick my weiner” “Lick your own weiner” “Hoo-ha breath” “Sphincter licker” “Masturbate yourself to completion frequently” “Masturbate yourself to frustration” “Go forth and attempt to multiply with auto-errotic acts” ---
**Author:** ![Starving\_Artist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aeb1de/32.png) [@Starving\_Artist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starving_Artist)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/93 "2009-02-24T20:57:48Z")
I’m wondering, since this is all primarily to reduce mod abuse, why it’s even necessary to implement any of the new rules other than the one requiring that mod questions or criticisms be restricted to ATMB. What do the mods care if we call each other fucknuggets or put “Asshole” in a thread title? ---
**Author:** ![woodstockbirdybird](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/woodstockbirdybird/32/7905_2.png) [@woodstockbirdybird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/woodstockbirdybird)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/94 "2009-02-24T20:58:11Z")
> [@brewha](#): > > I realize that my 8 years as a member of this board means pretty much fuck all to the PTB, but I didn’t want my silence to be misconstrued as acceptance. > > The new rules are retarded. They’re beyond retarded. Retarded people are usually at least pleasant. I see nothing positive about these new Pit rules. I always thought this board was left-leaning, but this shit is pretty close to the kind of crap you’d find on a far-right Christian message board. Pretty fucking pathetic, and I’m still waiting to see if it’s a deal-breaker for me. ---
**Author:** ![Smeghead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f1d935/32.png) [@Smeghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smeghead)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/95 "2009-02-24T20:58:49Z")
> [@Necros](#): > > I have also never before posted a message criticizing the board moderation or administration, but I agree completely with **matt\_mcl**. Yep. This is completely idiotic. I’ve always rolled my eyes at the uptight twits who get upset at the latest drama, but this is stupid stupid stupid. Insults are OK but abuse is not?? WHAT?? Stupid. Stupid stupid stupid. And I’ve been here since, what, 2002? I don’t recall. Something like that. Whatever. And may I suggest, “Hug you, you hugging motherhugger” as an acceptable workaround? ---
**Author:** ![akennett](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ee59a6/32.png) [@akennett](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/akennett)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/96 "2009-02-24T21:05:42Z")
> [@TroubleAgain](#): > > I would like this clarified as well, please. How do these stack up? > … > [ul] > [li]Calling someone a liar [/li][/ul] > … > [@Ed\_Zotti](#): > > I don’t want to get into a protracted discussion of hypotheticals, but none of the above strikes me as abusive. And here is a perfect example of why your rules are nothing short of capricious, arbitrary, and completely stupid. I find being called a liar, something you are perfectly fine with in your new happy-pit, to be far, far more abusive and insulting than “fuck you, you cock-sucking piece of shit” or any profanity-laden string you could come up with. ---
**Author:** ![black\_rabbit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f19dbf/32.png) [@black\_rabbit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/black_rabbit)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/97 "2009-02-24T21:05:53Z")
Yet another first time commenter on board policy. here. Way to lame up the board with #2, there. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Woo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7c8e57/32.png) [@Dr.Woo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Woo)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/98 "2009-02-24T21:05:57Z")
> [@matt\_mcl](#): > > I have never before posted a message of this kind, but I find this change in the rules, with regard to acceptable content between posters in the Pit, to be foolish and misguided. (I don’t have a real problem with restricting discussion of Board policy to ATMB.) > > **There was not previously a problem** ; there is no point in this solution, and it will make life difficult for everyone involved. > > The proposed distinction between what insults will and will not be allowed is vague and unworkable, and will serve to create more numerous and unpleasant arguments than it will prevent. > > I urge the moderators in the strongest terms to reconsider these rules. [Bolding mine] Exactly my confusion. What is the problem statement? Why is it that all of a sudden posters insulting each other is a bad thing that needs to be stopped? ---
**Author:** ![Wash](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/9dc877/32.png) [@Wash](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wash)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/99 "2009-02-24T21:05:58Z")
> [@Ed\_Zotti](#): > > We don’t expect these changes to have any major impact on what the Pit is all about. And President Bush expected the Iraqi people to line the streets throwing flowers to the American troops in joyous celebration. Neither of you have fully thought out the consequences to your actions. > [@C K Dexter Haven](#): > > …Well, we knew there’d be over-reaction… This is condescending, offensive and frankly abusive of the posting population in general. I expect better of an administrator, particularly in light of these new rules that have been instituted in order to raise the tone of the boards. ---
**Author:** ![Man\_With\_a\_Cat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cab0a1/32.png) [@Man\_With\_a\_Cat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Man_With_a_Cat)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2009, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256/100 "2009-02-24T21:06:08Z")
I’m leaning on the “wait and see” side too. I’d love to see #2 clarified for those that \*\*don’t get that there’s a very clear distinction between insulting and abusive language. \*\* Because there is, some people here are reasonably saying “spell it out”, others are being pretty moronic about it - they remind me of the people that hide behind semantics: "well, the rule says **specifically** that I can’t hit the guy with the lamp, not that I can’t use the lamp as a weapon by dropping it into his bathtub… " 1, 3 and 4 are just housekeeping, 5 is actually a loosening of behavior that wasn’t ok before. Loosen your belts folks, give this a chance. Don’t make me insult you. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pit-rules-have-been-revised/487256.md?page=6)